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Experience the incredible scenery in Svalbard`s most remote regions. On this circumnavigation of Spitsbergen you will experience the low-hanging Midnight Sun creating unearthly hues reflected off the sea’s surface, the ice and the glaciers. Roaming in the realm of the polar bear at this time of the year is one of the most exotic Arctic experiences to which you can treat yourself.
DAY 1 LONGYEARBYEN AND BARENTSBURG
The voyage starts in the Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. The history of Longyearbyen is very much the history of coal mining and reminders of the first mining can be seen everywhere. We visit the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, constructed around the entrance to the coal mine. Here you will find an exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture.
DAY 2 KONGSFJORDEN AND NORTH WEST SPITSBERGEN NATIONAL PARK
Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the North West coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. At 78º 55’ N, Ny Ålesund is the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage; a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first “oil adventure”.
DAY 3 NORTH EAST SPITSBERGEN NATURE RESERVE
This is a true expedition day where we explore some of the most remote parts of the Svalbard Archipelago. We will attempt to reach Sjuøyane, a cluster of islands at almost 81º N. These islands are closer to the Geographical North Pole than any other landmass in Europe. Polar bears and seabirds are the only inhabitants.
DAY 4 NORTH EAST SPITSBERGEN NATURE RESERVE
The spectacular bird cliff of Alkefjellet is sometimes referred to as the Piccadilly Circus of seabirds; its 300 m spires rise directly from the sea and create perfect nesting conditions.
DAY 5 SOUTH WEST SVALBARD NATURE RESERVE
Edgøya is the third largest island in Svalbard. Here you will find cultural heritage from all eras of human exploration of Svalbard. Storfjorden will give us spectacular views of the east coast. In the distance we will see hundreds of glaciers and mountains and if we are lucky we meet some of the marine mammals of Svalbard.
DAY 6 SOUTH SPITSBERGEN NATIONAL PARK; HORNSUND
The landscape of Hornsund is alpine with some very special mountains like Bautaen, or in English, the Obelisk, which, seen from the right angle looks like a giant Viking sword. Let your imagination run wild while spending the day in these extraordinary surroundings.
DAY 7 ISFJORDEN
Isfjorden is the largest fjord system in Svalbard. One of the most prominent mountains is Alkhornet where thousands of Brünnich guillemots nest during the summer season.
DAY 8 LONGYEARBYEN
Sadly, every explorer voyage has to come to an end. Hopefully you will be recalling the memory of that polar bear, the calving glacier front or the buzzing birdlife – or simply enjoying the subtle, odd feeling of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred kilometres from the Geographical North Pole.
Sailing dates: August 23 and 30, 2012
Rates from US$4,295 per person
VACATION PRICE INCLUDES
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
(suites include a selection of drinks with meals on board)
- Wind and water proof jacket
- Landings in polarcirkel boats
- Lectures by expedition team
- Tea and Coffee
- CD log
MS Fram, including a deck plan (pdf file)
Spitsbergen and MS Fram Handbook (pdf file)
For
other Spitsbergen voyages, click here
To
view a video of Spitsbergen, click here
We offer the right Spitsbergen cruise at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How
to Book
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